SkyAlyne, May 13, 2026 - SkyAlyne and Airbus Helicopters in Canada have achieved a key milestone in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, with the first CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) completing initial Canadian test flights and showing its RCAF livery in Fort Erie, Ontario.
Following initial assembly and acceptance, the aircraft was delivered to Canada for completion activities, including the integration of Canadian-specific modifications and application of the program’s “Reflect Forward” paint scheme.
Initial flights and installation of the Canadian STCs in Fort Erie represent important steps in validating aircraft performance, systems integration, and overall airworthiness. This phase of testing ensures the platform meets the rigorous standards required to support the training of future RCAF pilots.
The CT-153 Juno’s livery reflects both heritage and modernization, incorporating the RCAF’s historic training yellow alongside contemporary blue tones and national red-and-white elements. Designed for visibility and identity, the aircraft signals a forward-looking approach to Canadian aircrew training.
Final RCAF markings will be applied in the coming weeks, prior to delivery to the RCAF.
As the advanced rotary-wing training aircraft for the FAcT program, the CT-153 Juno will play a central role in delivering a comprehensive, integrated training system for the next generation of RCAF pilots.
The CT-153 Juno is powered by two full authority digital engine control (FADEC) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 engines and includes the Airbus Helionix avionics suite. Canada’s Juno fleet will be based at 15 Wing Southport with the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.
With flight testing underway and fleet delivery progressing, this milestone underscores continued momentum in the delivery of a made-in-Canada training capability for decades to come.
SkyAlyne is acquiring 19 CT-153 Junos for the RCAF with deliveries beginning in mid-2026.
About SkyAlyne, The Future of Aircrew Training : SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Pilots and Aircrew as the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In spring 2024, SkyAlyne was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.
Following initial assembly and acceptance, the aircraft was delivered to Canada for completion activities, including the integration of Canadian-specific modifications and application of the program’s “Reflect Forward” paint scheme.
Initial flights and installation of the Canadian STCs in Fort Erie represent important steps in validating aircraft performance, systems integration, and overall airworthiness. This phase of testing ensures the platform meets the rigorous standards required to support the training of future RCAF pilots.
The CT-153 Juno’s livery reflects both heritage and modernization, incorporating the RCAF’s historic training yellow alongside contemporary blue tones and national red-and-white elements. Designed for visibility and identity, the aircraft signals a forward-looking approach to Canadian aircrew training.
Final RCAF markings will be applied in the coming weeks, prior to delivery to the RCAF.
As the advanced rotary-wing training aircraft for the FAcT program, the CT-153 Juno will play a central role in delivering a comprehensive, integrated training system for the next generation of RCAF pilots.
The CT-153 Juno is powered by two full authority digital engine control (FADEC) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 engines and includes the Airbus Helionix avionics suite. Canada’s Juno fleet will be based at 15 Wing Southport with the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.
With flight testing underway and fleet delivery progressing, this milestone underscores continued momentum in the delivery of a made-in-Canada training capability for decades to come.
SkyAlyne is acquiring 19 CT-153 Junos for the RCAF with deliveries beginning in mid-2026.
About SkyAlyne, The Future of Aircrew Training : SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Pilots and Aircrew as the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In spring 2024, SkyAlyne was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.
H135 / EC135P3H C-FKZR ( Airbus Helicopters Canada )
See also |
CT-153 Juno in
Canadian Armed Forces EC135/H135 in
Airbus Helicopters Canada 
